Welcome to the June issue of the Safety Suzy Newsletter!
| | | | Are you ready for the summer? As the temperatures are rising, we're bringing you more industry updates from the past few weeks. First, there's a lot of OSHA news. The agency published comprehensive list of injury and illness data and is working on establishing a heat standard to protect workers. As great news comes from the world of science. Researchers at Queen Mary University have found a new therapy that can quadruple the survival rate of mesothelioma patients. Below we also look at the safe use of exoskeletons and how to keep workers hydrated during the hot summer months. Read on for more industry news and updates on our safety courses. | | | | | | Breakthrough in Treating Mesothelioma | | Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure - in the U.S., 3,000 people are diagnosed with it each year. Recent report shows that a new drug therapy (ADI-PEG20) can quadruple the three-year survive rate. The trial involved patients from the UK, US, Australia, Italy and Taiwan and was conducted by Queen Mary University of London. | | | | Portable Ladders Hazard Alert | | Michigan State University issued a new hazard alert relating to portable ladders as their commonplace nature can make workers to underestimate the dangers coming with their use. In Michigan, there have been 84 fatalities between 2001-2021 which involved portable ladders and 55% occurred in construction. Check the hazard alert for guidance on proper use and safety measures.
| | | | | | | | New OSHA Workplace Injury and Illness Data | | In April, OSHA published new data submitted by over 375,000 establishments on OSHA Form 300A Summary of Work-Related Injuries as well as additional partial 850,000 records. Information on the data collection process can be found on the Injury Tracking Application (ITA) website. | | | | OSHA Heat Standard Moves Forward | | Heat is a serious threat to workers during summertime and the government is taking steps to establish a heat standard for indoor and outdoor settings. On April 24, OSHA presented the draft rule’s initial regulatory framework at a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health.
| | | | | | | OSHA: Updated Hazard Communication Standard | | | | | OSHA announced its final rule that will update the current Hazard Communication Standard to better protect workers. The updated standard improves the information on labels and safety data sheets, allowing workers and first responders to react more quickly in an emergency. The updates take effect on July 19. | | | | | | | | | Hardhats vs. Helmets: What is the Difference? | |  | | Each year, over 50,000 people are treated from a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Forty three percent of hospital patients treated for TBI don't attend work for five years after their injury. Wearing proper equipment can significantly decrease the risk of TBI or death. The difference between a “hardhat” and a “helmet” is not currently outlined in the ANSI or OSHA standard, however, the two can be differentiated as follows: - Hardhats typically refer to the traditional style of head protection, which often includes a bulkier shell, a brim, and may or may not be equipped with a chin strap.
- Helmets, on the other hand, typically refer to a climbing style of headgear that is more rounded and consistently has a chin strap. Instead of a webbed suspension, they may have a foam liner or a combination of a webbed suspension and a foam liner. Which one you choose to use will depend on the job type. | | | | | | | | 5 Safety Tips on Using Exoskeletons | | | | | Exoskeletons can help workers lift heavier objects and prevent serious injuries in the workplace. However, there are certain precautions contractors and employers need to observe to prevent injuries:- Train workers on how to correctly operate the exoskeleton.
- Provide proper personal protective equipment.
- Adjust the exoskeleton to fit the worker.
- Don’t exceed the exoskeleton’s weight-bearing capacity.
- Monitor for signs of heat-related illness, and take breaks when wearing an exoskeleton.
| | | | | | | | | Use SafetySuzy10FEDTC at checkout to get 10% off of any of our health and safety courses. Don't forget that our loyal customers get 15% off, so please get in touch if you'd like to find out more. | | | | | | | Women in Construction Still Lack PPE That Fits | | | |
Gender-appropriate PPE on jobsites is still an issue. A recent survey by Lumber, a construction workforce management organization, shows that 65% said they couldn't easily access PPE such as safety harnesses and hard hats in women’s sizes while 85% couldn’t access maternity-friendly safety equipment.
In July, OSHA issued a proposed rule to revise its standard on PPE in construction (1926.95) “to ensure that all PPE that is selected properly fits each affected employee.
| | | | | Staying Hydrated in the Summer Months | | | | Summertime is fraught with risks for construction workers. One of the more innocuous, yet very dangerous one is the risk of dehydration. OSHA encourages employers to take hydration seriously and implement proper measures to make sure their workers are safe: | | | | | | - Equip work areas with accessible and visible cool water (less than 60° F).
- Encourage workers to drink at least 1 cup (8 ounces) of water every 15-20 minutes while working in the heat, not just when they’re thirsty.
- Maintain a cool or shaded location for rest breaks.
- Designate a relief person so workers can take a water break, or have water brought directly to workers who can’t leave their work area.
- Encourage workers to keep a sealable bottle of cool water in their work area so they can hydrate.
- Consider providing electrolyte products when workers perform strenuous, sweat-producing job tasks for extended periods of time.
| | | | | | Important Links | |
Upcoming FEDTC Courses (virtual, in-person, online).
FED Creates Asbestos Air Sampling Tables That Can be Used In the Field or the Office
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FEDTC Training Library: Click Here to access our Library.
Additional Resources
FEDTC’s Recent Blogpost:
New York Asbestos LinkedIn Group Recent Discussion:
Federal Real Property: More Consistent Monitoring of Asbestos Could Improve Oversight. Join the conversation and become a member of a thriving group of health and safety professionals.
| | | | | | | OSHA courses (Online & In-person): - OSHA Respirator User
- OSHA Crystalline Silica Standard for Workers
- OSHA Hazard Communication
- OSHA Hazard Communication plus NYS Right-to-Know
- Covid-19 Awareness Course
- Respirator Hierarchy
- Lead in Construction Awareness Course
- Mold in Construction Awareness Course
- Blood-borne Pathogen 4-Hour Course
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Course
- June 18, & June 25, 7:45 AM - 2:00 PM
Mold courses: - Keeping Your Family Safe Mold Awareness - Online
- NYS Mold Refresher
Aug 1 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, GoToMeeting
Jun 14, Jul 19, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, FEDTC's Syosset
- Mold Abatement Worker Initial
August 26-27, 8:30 AM - 5:45 PM, Syosset - Mold Remediation/Supervisor Initial
- August 26-28, 8:30 AM - 5:45 PM, Syosset
- Mold Assessment Initial
August 26-29, 8:30 AM - 5:45 PM, Syosset
Asbestos courses (check our website for the full schedule of upcoming refresher courses): - Asbestos Awareness Course - Online
- NYCDEP Handler/Supervisor Exam Prep - Online
- NYCDEP Investigator Exam Prep - Online
- AHERA LEA's Designated Person Training - Online
- Asbestos Inspector Initial
Jun 10-13, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, FEDTC's Syosset - Asbestos Inspector Refresher
Jul 2, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, FEDTC Syosset
Jun 17, Jul 9, Aug 8 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, GoToMeeting
Aug 23, 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM, Suffolk County - NYS/NYC Asbestos Handler/Worker Initial
Jul 22-25, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Suffolk County - NYS/NYC Asbestos Handler/Worker Refresher
Jun 1, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Westchester County
- NYS Asbestos Project Sampling Technician Refresher
Jul 17, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, FEDTC's Syosset
Jul 8, 8:30 Am - 12:30 PM, GoToMeeting
- Asbestos Management Planner Refresher
Jun 17, Jul 9, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, GoToMeeting - Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor Initial
Jun 24-28, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, FEDTC's Syosset - Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor Refresher
Jun 7, Jul 15, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, FEDTC's Syosset - Asbestos Project Monitor Refresher
Jul 17, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, FEDTC's Syosset
Jul 8, 8:30 Am - 4:30 PM, GoToMeeting - Asbestos Operations and Maintenance Refresher
- Jul 12, 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM, Suffolk County
- Asbestos Project Designer Refresher
Jul 16, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, FEDTC's Syosset
Please click on the individual courses' link to discover more dates!
| | | | Don't Forget Our Referral Program! If you refer asbestos, indoor air quality, or OSHA training to us we will provide you with a 5% discount on any training you book with us. This would be in addition to any other discounts we provide. Thank you to those who have taken advantage of this! | | | | |
